Koster/ Derby – Four assailants assaulted a 70-year old man on his farm on Tuesday, 14 February 2017.

Hannes Harmse was on his way to fetch his employees in Derby at about 07h30 the morning. “As he was about to open his gate, he was confronted by one of the suspects – who assaulted him,” Elsabè Augoustides, police spokesperson, said.

The remaining three suspects emerged and forced Harmse back into his home. Hannes' wife, also 70, just started with her daily chores on their farm in Rietfontein (in the Koster/Derby area). Harmse and his wife were tied up with cable ties.

According to Augoustides, the suspects demanded the safe’s keys from the Harmse couple, and consequently robbed them of four firearms. After ransacking the house, the suspects fled on foot with their loot, a .22 rifle, a 306 rifle, a 9mm pistol and a .38 special revolver. They also robbed the Harmse couple of jewellery, cash, and cell phones.

Verse of the Day

We focus on news relevant to our readers and distribution area; with up-to-date local news, touching on general mining, economic, tourism and national news. We love to splash on events, as it is at the heart of the community.